Jerry Randal Anderson

Jerry R. Anderson, age 86, of Roseland, passed away Thursday, September 18, at his residence under hospice care.

A private life celebration will be held soon. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Jerry was born on April 26, 1939, in Worthington, Minnesota, the second born of four children to Lloyd and Zula (Weston) Anderson. He grew up in Worthington and in 1955, the family moved to Sheldon, Iowa. Jerry played football in high school until a broken arm ended his playing further. In 1957, he graduated from Sheldon High School.

Jerry furthered his education at the Worthington Junior College, earning an AA degree in 1959 and then at Mankato State College, earning a BS degree in Business and Economics in 1961. Jerry worked his way through high school and college at a local Phillips 66 service station.

In 1962, Jerry joined the Iowa Army/National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1967 after serving his country. Once out of the military, Jerry began employment in Minneapolis with an auto parts company, later buying the business and growing it. Also, during that time Jerry met and later married Glenda Sanders on July 24, 1967.

They built their home in Lakeville and raised their two children, Phillip and Shawn. In 1978, they moved to a farm site near Roseland. There they raised a variety of animals including feeder pigs, Morgan horses and Yorkies.

Jerry later began working at Willmar Poultry and PALS, with the PALS division in sales, helping to create a very successful division for the company. Following retirement, Jerry worked as an insurance inspector for two local companies to pass some of his time.

Outside of work and professional pursuits, Jerry was an avid ethical outdoorsman and conservationist. He belonged to numerous conservation groups. He deeply enjoyed fishing and hunting. He took many trips to Canada, Alaska and to the Gulf of Mexico with friends and family…and to his special place in Swift Falls. He also enjoyed raising wild mallard ducks, Canadian geese and pheasants for many years with his wife and children.

Beyond being an outdoor enthusiast, Jerry also enjoyed making flying stunt kites and learning to fly airplanes. He became quite good at a few “tricks” while piloting a plane!

Always a learner, Jerry kept his mind active with reading and working on his cars, trucks and farm equipment as well as watching movies and his favorite sporting events like football and golf.

Combined with Jerry’s mischievous nature and his sharp sense of humor, he was a special one-of-a-kind guy. Jerry always did his best; giving more than he took out of life.

Jerry had a fondness for baking and loved his sweet-treat family recipes…famous for his homemade caramel popcorn, peanut butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies and apple pie.

He loved playing board games and card games with friends and family. He cherished family game nights with his kids and grandkids.

Jerry is survived by his two children, Phillip (and RoseMary) Anderson of Roseland and Shawn Anderson of Roseland; four granddaughters, Deserae, Victoria, Ashley and Sara; and twelve great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister, Renae (and Rodney) Merley of Sheldon, IA; several nieces and nephews, besides many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Glenda on December 7, 2020; one grandson, Christopher; and two brothers, Lloyd Charles “Chuck” and Ronnie.

“So to all my loved ones, family and friends, take a minute to think of me in a good way…or bad…and laugh!                                                               -Jerry 9/30/2023